In a speech on October 8, Naïma Moutchou, the French minister responsible for overseas territories, addressed concerns over access to drinking water in regions such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Mayotte. While acknowledging that current efforts remain insufficient to meet the needs of these areas, she defended the government's investments and emphasized the need to accelerate ongoing projects. The text of her speech, prepared for the National Assembly, noted that water shortages, rationing, and outdated infrastructure continue to impact daily life in several overseas territories. Her remarks came alongside the rejection of a resolution proposal by Anchya Bamana, a deputy from Mayotte, which had called for immediate government support to address local water challenges. To explain the government’s progress, Moutchou referenced the Eau DOM Plan, launched in 2016 to improve water infrastructure in overseas departments and territories. Between 2016 and 2025, nearly 774 million euros has been mobilized, with 659 million in loans and 29 million for technical assistance. The ministry highlighted some improvements, such as the increase in leak repairs in Guadeloupe from 2,700 in 2022 to 8,000 in 2024, and the rise in the share of the population in Réunion with access to safe, monitored drinking water from 45% in 2016 to 74% by the end of 2024. However, Moutchou acknowledged that these results are still not enough, and the challenge now lies in turning funding into tangible projects and service improvements more quickly. Moutchou attributed delays in progress to various challenges, including difficult terrain, the remoteness of some areas, natural disasters like droughts and cyclones, and past underinvestment. She noted that even with available funds, projects may not be completed due to these constraints. In Mayotte, for example, 730 million euros has been planned for water infrastructure between 2025 and 2031, with two major projects: the Ironi Bé desalination plant and the third colliner reservoir in Ourovéni. These projects aim to increase water production, secure resources, and improve storage capacity. In Guadeloupe, 65 million euros has been allocated through an exceptional support contract signed in 2023, with an additional 150 million euros proposed for emergency repairs and modernization of water networks. In Martinique, Moutchou discussed the potential for creating a single authority to manage water and sanitation, citing a 2026 law that allows the Martinique Assembly to establish such a body. This law provides the possibility but does not automatically create a functioning organization. Moutchou stressed that the state must support local efforts with funding and expertise, while ensuring that the management of water services remains sustainable. She also emphasized the need for long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes for infrastructure and maintenance issues. The speech also highlighted potential solutions such as desalination, rainwater harvesting, water reuse, and leak detection technologies. Moutchou urged the evaluation of these options based on the specific needs of each territory, considering factors like cost, energy use, environmental impact, and health safety. However, the speech did not set a specific timeline for ending water shortages. Instead, it focused on the execution of projects and measuring their results. Moutchou stated that she would not ask affected residents to be satisfied with current plans or funding, and the true test of the government's commitment will be the tangible improvement in the continuity and quality of water services.